The election of 1796 was unusual for several reasons:
1. It was the first contested presidential election in American history. This means that multiple candidates from different political parties were vying for the presidency, which was a departure from the previous elections where there was a general consensus on who should become president.
2. The election highlighted the growing divide between the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party. The Federalists, led by John Adams, favored a strong central government and close ties with Britain. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, advocated for states' rights and a more agrarian society.
3. Another significant aspect of the election was the emergence of political parties as influential forces in American politics. The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans were the first major political parties in the United States. This election marked the beginning of a new era of partisan politics, where candidates would align themselves with specific parties and campaign on their party's platform.
4. The election also saw the unusual situation where the president and vice president belonged to different political parties. John Adams, a Federalist, won the presidency, while Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, became the vice president. This arrangement created tension and made governance challenging, as the president and vice president held opposing political views.
In summary, the election of 1796 was unusual because it was the first contested election, showcased the growing divide between political parties, marked the rise of partisan politics, and resulted in a president and vice president from different parties. These factors set the stage for the future development of American democracy.